News

ROCHESTER, N.H. -Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a Smith & Wesson company, announced that the T/C® Venture™ Predator was recently selected by Outdoor Life as the Great Buy Award in the bolt-action category as part of the magazine’s 2010 Gun Test review.

The 2010 Gun Test is an annual review of new firearms conducted by members of the Outdoor Life staff. During the evaluation of each firearm, staff members complete a comprehensive review of each model noting such features as performance, accuracy, ergonomics, functionality and overall quality. In order to obtain an accurate representation on how each rifle will perform in the field, the rifles are fired from a myriad of shooting positions using a variety of factory ammunition from various makers in different bullet weights and styles. Once the smoke has cleared, judges individually critique the craftsmanship of each firearm while keeping their opinions silent from other reviewers in order to avoid bias.

After assessing the quality of the gun, reviewers grade the firearm on the basis of price and value. In order to be named a “Great Buy,” the firearms must receive the highest scores in each of these criteria while providing an outstanding value to the end user. The T/C Venture Predator exceeded in both of these areas and was further noted for its portability and accuracy while in the field. Among the many features appreciated by the team of reviewers were the rifle’s creep-free trigger, smooth action and balance while shooting from both off-hand and sitting positions.

The T/C Venture Predator won additional points for its integral-scope mounting bases, detachable magazine and rubber grip inserts for improved firearm control. Three-shot groups from the rifle measured an impressive ¾ inch across all ammo types, proving Thompson/Center’s MOA (Minute of Angle) Guarantee. When coupled with the rifle’s low price point, the T/C Venture Predator earned the Great Buy Award for 2010.

“We are very honored to have Outdoor Life recognize the T/C Venture Predator as the Great Buy for 2010,” said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “Throughout the development of the Venture family of bolt-action rifles, we did our homework and remained focused on providing a platform that delivers the highest accuracy possible with premium features not offered on a gun at this price point. We believe that the T/C Venture Predator offers better value to the consumer than any other bolt-action rifle on the market today. This distinction by Outdoor Life, reflected in the opinion of their staff, confirms that we are meeting that goal.”

The T/C Venture Predator is chambered in .204, .22-250, .223 and .308. Each rifle is guaranteed MOA accurate and sports a 22-inch precision barrel with 5R rifling. The T/C Venture Predator is standard with a Realtree® Max-1 camouflage finish, adjustable trigger and a single stack 3+1 detachable nylon box magazine. The rifle has an overall length of 41.5-inches, weighs less than 7 pounds and features a 13 5/8-inch length of pull. Made in the United States and backed by Thompson/Center’s famous lifetime warranty, the T/C Venture Predator provides the dependable accuracy, durability and reliability required for any hunting situation.

For more information on the T/C Venture Predator, or to view the complete line of Thompson/Center Arms firearms and accessories, visitwww.tcarms.com.

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC) is a U.S.-based, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport. The company designs and constructs facility perimeter security solutions for military and commercial applications, and delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the military, law enforcement and sports markets. SWHC companies include Smith & Wesson Corp., the globally recognized manufacturer of quality firearms; Universal Safety Response, a full-service perimeter security integrator, barrier manufacturer and installer; and Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting firearms. SWHC facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Tennessee. For more information on Smith & Wesson and its companies, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com;www.usrgrab.com; or www.tcarms.com.